If the system can send out an automatic reminder notice, can it also send out an automatic welcome notice? It's not the same as having whomever respond in the forum, but it might be something.

It does. That is, it did when I joined.

As for the 'elitist' bit? Not sure what that's about. Though, I would venture to guess some people require more acknowledgement of their presence, than others. It's not a thin-skinned thing, imo. Rather, the needs of members just vary.